Missile attack halts F1 Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia

While the Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix was underway, a large explosion occurred on Friday at the Aramco oil plant near the Jeddah motor racing circuit. The Yemeni Houthi rebel group has claimed responsibility for the latest missile attack, reported Sport.

The Saudi Arabian company Aramco is an official sponsor of Formula 1.

The attack shocked the Arab country and interrupted the training of the race teams ahead of the Grand Prix. Black smoke could be seen in the sky near the circuit. Videos on social media showed nearby oil plant facilities engulfed in flames.

Las instalaciones de Aramco (patrocinador global de la F1) en Jeddah acaban de ser atacadas con un misil mientras transcurre el Gran Premio pic.twitter.com/iZz1l6W4fk

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In the face of uncertainty, world champion Max Verstappen asked his team whether his car was on fire after smelling fumes from the huge fire that broke out just 12 miles from the Jeddah circuit. The 24-year-old Dutch driver was taking part in a practice session when the explosion occurred near the track.

Formula 1 officials said they would closely monitor the situation but confirmed that the Grand Prix would go ahead as scheduled. The practice was delayed by 15 minutes after drivers were summoned to a meeting with Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali to discuss the terrorist attack.

"Formula 1 has been in close contact with the relevant authorities following today's situation. The authorities have confirmed that the event can go ahead as planned, and we will remain in close contact with them and all teams and will monitor the situation closely," said F1 in a statement.